Q & A with Martina McBride

The country singer talks workouts, snack time, and the one thing she always eats

As if being a Grammy winner and four-time Country Music Awards female vocalist of the year with six No. 1 songs isn't enough, country crooner Martina McBride recently partnered with Save Lids to Save Lives.

The program, which started with Yoplait tops, added 20 more General Mills brands, including Nature Valley, Honey Nut Cheerios, and Fiber One, last month. Simply collect the lids and mail them to General Mill or redeem them online at savelidstosavelives.com, and 10 cents will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, up to $2,500,000.

McBride shared with us why became a partner and how she stays in such great shape at 46.

SHAPE: How did you get involved with Save the Lids?Martina McBride (MM): Through the song that I had out, “I’m Gonna Love You Though It,” I’ve been able to meet so many survivors, families, and supporters and have made a connection and wanted to do something to make a difference.

SHAPE: What does your diet look like?MM: Some days I do well and I eat really healthfully, but I don’t think we should deprive ourselves of anything, so some days I indulge and give in to cravings. I believe everything in moderation, but breakfast is important. I have two hard-boiled or scrambled eggs with whole-wheat toast and try to get some fruit in there.

SHAPE: What are your go-to healthy snacks?MM: I always have apples and fruit in the house. It’s easier to eat something healthy if it’s within reach. I also have yogurt, cheese and crackers, and raw almonds.

SHAPE: What are some of the indulgences you allow yourself?MM: Every once in a while I crave a really good cheeseburger and fries.

SHAPE: What’s your fitness routine like?MM: It varies throughout year depending on my motivation. I just took a little break so right now I’m starting again a couple of times a week doing cardio and weight training. I do yoga, lunges, crunches, things like that for 40 minutes twice a week.For cardio I usually do the elliptical, treadmill, or walking . If it’s a nice day I like to walk outside around Radnor Lake.

SHAPE: What is your favorite exercise to do?MM: I don’t know if I have a favorite. I guess being on the elliptical because I can read and do other things.

SHAPE: Are there any moves you hate to do but you know they really work? What?MM: I’m not fond of crunches or lunges, but I do them anyway because I do see results. For me it’s about being fit and staying healthy more than anything else.

SHAPE: What’s on your workout playlist?MM: I listen to music I’m looking to record or catch up on news and TV, whatever is on the TV at the gym!

As an editor at SHAPE I have the chance to learn about the healthiest ways to cook, eat, and live from all sorts of experts but I’m also a single girl living in NYC with a busy schedule, active social life, and chocolate cravings. I’m here to share what works for me—and where I need a little help from you.